Friday night’s state semifinal looked grim early on for the Mayfield Cardinals. After surrendering a touchdown on the opening possession of the game, Cardinal quarterback Landon Arnett threw an interception under heat that resulted in a DeSales touchdown and Mayfield found itself in a 13-0 hole early.
A methodical drive by Mayfield as the clock wound down before halftime left them a 13-7 deficit with the ball coming out of the half. But, a stalled 3-and-out put pressure on the defense to continue its stellar play. The Cardinals pushed DeSales all the way back to it’s own one-yard line, and the defense continued to make play after play.
It appeared the momentum was shifting heavily in Mayfield’s favor when Michael Walker made a highlight-reel diving catch at midfield to put his team in striking distance, but pressure on Landon Arnett three plays later led to an interception near the goal line.
Trailing 13-10, the Cardinal defense had to get a stop as DeSales started from their own one-yard line, and a quick three and out allowed Arnett and the offense to charge down and take their first lead on a nine-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Caldwell.
Trajon Bright’s touchdown scamper with just under six minutes left gave Mayfield all the cushion they would need to advance to their seventh consecutive state title game.
Coach Joe Morris and his team will be looking for the first four-peat in school history as they will take on Newport Central Catholic next Sunday, December 6th at 1:00 P.M.
